And that's why they rent golf carts, people.
The gardens of Versailles are an expansive complex of walkways, fountains, shrubbery, flowers, pools, and ponds. To each side of the Palace are two parterres of finely sculpted lawns. And stretching out to seemingly infinity is one massive stretch of lawn and canal system. The Grand Canal.
As we were at Versailles on the special day of Grandes Eaux, all of the fountains were in a flourish. Water: water everywhere was sprouting, spouting, flowing, and pooling like some regal waterpark. Festooned with sculptures of stone and shrubs, it was the most impeccably manicured natural space I have seen in my lifetime. Or likely ever will.
Honestly, after spending the first hour wandering through the gardens under the warm, clear azure October sky, I half thought it a waste to have spent any time inside the Palace. The gardens were the true royalty here.
Calm and sublime, the fountains and the greenery soothed my soul. And the fresh air and massive swath of space set me to contemplate all of the intrigues, indulgences, and history that had taken place here.
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette enjoyed these same grounds in the days leading up to the French Revolution. And as their rule of the Empire came to an abrupt and chilling close, I wonder if they longed for these spectacular gardens and affluent residences and all that they offered.
It was good to be the King. Until it wasn't. After their owner's execution, Versailles was transferred to the State of France and its people. Those people now frolic here to enjoy the peace and serenity of these luscious grounds. No royal bloodline is needed to apply for entrance. Just cash.
And while the concept of Empire, real as it is, is in reality, can only be a notion to its highborn yet removed owner... This place. This Palace. This incredible garden. It's as real as it gets. And it ought to be enough.
It's more than enough. For any man or country.
Cheers!